WAYNE, N.J., October 21, 2009 - Hankook Tire, the seventh-largest and one of the fastest growing tire companies in the world, announced their 2009 Q3 earnings results today, boasting an increase in sales of 26.4% YoY at KRW 1.44 trillion along with an astounding increase in operating profits of 536.4% YoY at KRW 275 billion. Hankook also attained a global operating profit rate of 19.1%.

Mr. Seung Hwa Suh, President & CEO, Hankook Tire, said, “Despite the economic climate, Hankook Tire has continued to stand out with its record high performance. Hankook Tire’s continuous efforts to enhance the quality of its products and services have supported us in winning the trust of consumers.”

Mr. Suh continued, “The tire industry is extremely competitive, it is essential that we continue investing to ensure sustainable growth. Hankook Tire remains positive about growth prospects for the future, as we continue to increase brand preference and devote ourselves to providing consumers with value-added high-quality products and services.”

U.S. replacement sales in the third quarter jumped 18% over the second quarter and was 21% ahead of the same period for 2008. The most significant boost in sales has come in the ultra-high performance segment.

“The majority of our growth this year in the United States has come from our replacement business,” said Greg Pae, President, Hankook Tire America Corp. “Replacement sales have shown significant increases over the last three quarters, illustrating the trend that consumers are focusing on high value products.”

Hankook Tire’s products and services have continued to rise in fame as they have been able to hold onto their number one spot in China, achieving an operating profit rate of 17.2%. In addition, Hankook Tire’s Hungary operations reached total sales of HUF 13.2 billion, a 67% YoY sales increase. Also, with Hankook Tire’s market diversification strategies in effect, it saw an increase in sales from emerging markets including the Commonwealth Independent States (CIS) and the Middle East.

Hankook Tire will continue to dedicate itself to maintain its investment in technology, brand reputation, and on-going support of consumer needs in order to become a ‘Leading Global Tire Company.’

About Hankook Tire America Corp.
Headquartered in Wayne, N.J., Hankook Tire America Corp. is a technology-focused, market-driven company that markets and distributes a complete line of high performance and ultra-high performance passenger tires, light truck, SUV tires, as well as medium truck and bus tires to more than 400 independent dealers through 3000+ retail sales locations in the United States and Canada.

For more information, please visit the Hankook website at www.hankooktireusa.com